Structural Dynamics Engineer III (Spacecraft)
Cedarparktexasedc, Cedar Park, TX, United States
Structural Dynamics Engineer III (Spacecraft)
About Firefly Aerospace
As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.
Summary
We are seeking a
Structural Dynamics Engineer -Spacecraft
to own analysis, modeling, verification, and validation of spacecraft dynamic environments and structural responses. This role focuses on random vibration, shock, acoustics, and coupled loads analysis to ensure spacecraft structural integrity and mission success under launch and spaceflight conditions.
You will collaborate with structures, mechanisms, thermal, and systems teams throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle. The level of responsibility, independence, and technical leadership will be scaled according to the candidate’s experience.
Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Perform structural dynamics analysis including modal, frequency response, and random vibration simulations of spacecraft structures and components
Support definition and verification of dynamic environments (random vibration, shock, and acoustics)
Conduct test-analysis correlation using vibration, acoustic, and shock test data
Contribute to environmental test planning, instrumentation recommendations, and post-test data review
Analyze component‑level responses (solar arrays, antennas, mechanisms, payloads) under dynamic loads
Deliver clear technical documentation and presentations
Senior-Level Responsibilities (in addition to Core)
Independently derive random vibration and shock environments using flight data, SMC-S-016, NASA-SP-8072, numerical simulation and empirical methods
Develop and deliver Craig‑Bampton reduced‑order models in Nastran for coupled loads analysis (CLA) with launch vehicle providers
Apply frequency-based substructuring (FBS) to integrate test and analysis models
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers
Lead anomaly resolution and risk reduction activities during integration and test campaigns
Interface directly with launch vehicle teams on spacecraft‑side CLA requirements
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field
3–7+ years of hands‑on experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle structural dynamics
Fundamental understanding of structural dynamics principles
Demonstrated experience with Craig‑Bampton model reduction and coupled loads analysis
Proven track record deriving dynamic environments and supporting environmental testing
Experience mentoring junior engineers and influencing cross‑functional design decisions
Proficiency in Nastran/Femap (or equivalent finite element tools)
Experience with Python (pandas, numpy, scipy) or MATLAB for data processing and analysis
Solid understanding of signal processing concepts (FFT, PSD, filtering, etc.)
Desired
Master’s degree in Structural Dynamics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
Experience with Wave6, Pyyeti, PyNastran, IMAT, or other specialized dynamics tools
Knowledge of launch vehicle interface loads and CLA processes
Exposure to frequency‑based substructuring (FBS)
Familiarity with spacecraft environmental testing (vibration, acoustic, shock)
Experience with Git/version control
Passion for spaceflight and spacecraft development
Benefits
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
Additional Information
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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About Firefly Aerospace
As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.
Summary
We are seeking a
Structural Dynamics Engineer -Spacecraft
to own analysis, modeling, verification, and validation of spacecraft dynamic environments and structural responses. This role focuses on random vibration, shock, acoustics, and coupled loads analysis to ensure spacecraft structural integrity and mission success under launch and spaceflight conditions.
You will collaborate with structures, mechanisms, thermal, and systems teams throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle. The level of responsibility, independence, and technical leadership will be scaled according to the candidate’s experience.
Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Perform structural dynamics analysis including modal, frequency response, and random vibration simulations of spacecraft structures and components
Support definition and verification of dynamic environments (random vibration, shock, and acoustics)
Conduct test-analysis correlation using vibration, acoustic, and shock test data
Contribute to environmental test planning, instrumentation recommendations, and post-test data review
Analyze component‑level responses (solar arrays, antennas, mechanisms, payloads) under dynamic loads
Deliver clear technical documentation and presentations
Senior-Level Responsibilities (in addition to Core)
Independently derive random vibration and shock environments using flight data, SMC-S-016, NASA-SP-8072, numerical simulation and empirical methods
Develop and deliver Craig‑Bampton reduced‑order models in Nastran for coupled loads analysis (CLA) with launch vehicle providers
Apply frequency-based substructuring (FBS) to integrate test and analysis models
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers
Lead anomaly resolution and risk reduction activities during integration and test campaigns
Interface directly with launch vehicle teams on spacecraft‑side CLA requirements
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field
3–7+ years of hands‑on experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle structural dynamics
Fundamental understanding of structural dynamics principles
Demonstrated experience with Craig‑Bampton model reduction and coupled loads analysis
Proven track record deriving dynamic environments and supporting environmental testing
Experience mentoring junior engineers and influencing cross‑functional design decisions
Proficiency in Nastran/Femap (or equivalent finite element tools)
Experience with Python (pandas, numpy, scipy) or MATLAB for data processing and analysis
Solid understanding of signal processing concepts (FFT, PSD, filtering, etc.)
Desired
Master’s degree in Structural Dynamics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
Experience with Wave6, Pyyeti, PyNastran, IMAT, or other specialized dynamics tools
Knowledge of launch vehicle interface loads and CLA processes
Exposure to frequency‑based substructuring (FBS)
Familiarity with spacecraft environmental testing (vibration, acoustic, shock)
Experience with Git/version control
Passion for spaceflight and spacecraft development
Benefits
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
Additional Information
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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